Lloyd and I took both cars to Chris and Jane's for the day on Saturday. Lloyd's for a pre-Italy check up and post mod refinement, mine for a complete start to finish geo set up.

Firstly a huge thanks to Chris and Jane for making us all (including dog) so welcome.

My car has been stealership maintained all her life, and with the exception of a strut brace is standard. Although I was reliably informed in autumn that the geometry had been adjusted, and there were no seized bolts, I had been less than happy with the feel of her, especially as I can compare her directly to another S who has been "Franklined" on the same roads back to back. I was confidently expecting a whole new suspension is needed result. So when Chris advised 2 bolts were not freely movable I was not surpised, but pleased it was not more! Fortunately these came free with small persuasion and on examination were found to be slightly corroded.

So, once free and the requisite copper grease liberally applied, Chris then rebolted my suspension. Over tea and bacon sandwiches, my needs and my expectations from the car, as well as the problems I have experience were discussed. I was able to draw on his wealth of knowledge, and given there some 450 S2000 and their specific requirements are in his database to date this took some time!

Being fellow scientists, we indulged in a basic science principles chat. Then the real work began, with the examination and assessment of the tyres, allowing Chris to draw some conclusions and be able to describe to me how the car felt on certain roads, turns and so on - very accurately as it happens! We concluded how the car SHOULD feel for me, and what I am using the car for, how I want her to behave.

Seeing the way the equipment functions, and the adjustments making a tangible difference to the tyre was putting science into practice.

Then the proof of the pudding, driving the car. I was impressed with the fine balance Chris struck with my requirements for lightness of feel, but stability and reliable handling, and how he translated this into "do this and this, you will feel this". He struck gold for me, my car now feels as I expected her aince I bought her and have never achieved. These settings are not the "Chris Franklin fast road" they are specific and tailored for me. I am so impressed with the tuning of each part of the settings for me, I was a sceptic at the start of this, so many times the "typical" settings were bandied about and used which does not do Chris' work justice.

The exacting nature of his work and almost obsessive attention to getting accuracy and symmetry was both astonishing and inspiring. The results are nothing short of spectacular.

Then the turn of the Orange Beastie, a considerably different animal from her set up last year. Having had the healthcheck last year, it was straight on to the ramps. This was again an opportunity to understand what is needed from her, what changes would be liked, preferred and so on to put the adjustments of the wheels into meaningful results. With the increased weight from the supercharger and additional mods at the front, it was decided to go for increased turning grip on the front by dialing out some of the grip at the back. This makes the back of the car easier to read, and allow the driver to explore the limits of the power available.

Both cars have more feedback from the rear, making the break away point easier to define and control. Both cars are set for different requirements, as they have different functions. This highlights Chris's expertise in both understanding customers requirements, and translating this into unique settings, which in turn translates into a driving experience.

In our experience, that driving experience is FANTASTIC.

To conclude the lengthy day we spent there, Chris advised us of a superb driving route for the journey home - Fosse Way - we enjoyed the handling of the cars and I especially enjoyed being able to relax about corners, even though it was damp out.

Overall, a most interesting, inspiring and productive day.

 

Fosse Way is a fantastic route.

Done it a couple of times. Might do it next Sunday to get my "hours in" for Euromeet.

 

Good concise write up.
Has the supercharged machine had any suspension modifications LadyB?

 

No the beastie is on standard shocks just upper front strut brace and lower front and rear tie bars.
I'm thinking of suspension upgrade, just need to save some pennies!

 

thank you

 

Haven't spoken to Chris or Jayne again yet, but I got an email form them with a proposal for me to look over.

I replied back with a counter proposal and I await their response.

I don't feel it would be right to discuss the matter in public until we have managed to come to some agreement, but once we have I will happily discuss it with whoever wants to hear.

 

It would be good to know any potential problems that may occur though. Ive got mine booked in and cant afford any problems really as its a company motor. PM if that better?

 

Funny how you're saying more AND discussing the matter in public.

 

What exactly is your point ?

I have mentioned that there are issues between me and CG at the moment and that we are trying to work it out.

I've not gone into any specifics as I do not feel it is fair to do so.

Of course, you're welcome to your opinion, but you are not the one with the broken car.

 

Thats the third comment....